Taj Mahotsav – Festivity in The Midst of Arts and Crafts

Agra is all set to celebrate the mega event, Taj Mahotsav this February. The 22nd edition of this cultural extravaganza will start from 18th February to 27th February. It is an ultimate platform for the talented artist to showcase their talent and cultural nuances. It brings together the vibrant crafts and culture of India in a single platform.

This annual event is organized for duration of ten days in the month of February. People from various regions of the world flock to the heart of the Mughal Empire and especially visit India to be a part of the event. It invokes the memories of old Mughal era and Nawabi style prevalent in Uttar Pradesh during the 18th and 19th centuries. This colorful festival kick-start with a cultural procession with elephants and camels beautifully decorated representing the victory processions of the Mughal Emperors and the warlords. To make the event a grand affair drum beaters, trumpet players, folk dancers, skilled craftsmen and artisans also join the procession.

Celebrated every year since 1992 at Shilpgram in the vicinity of the Taj Mahal, it is organized by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism to boost the tourism industry in Agra in particular and India in general. Enjoying the event with the magnificent Taj Mahal at the backdrop, it is a totally different kind of experience. Famous artists, musicians, dancers and chefs put their best effort to make the carnival best and enjoyable among the visitors and spectators. The soul-stirring performances by the renowned artists from various parts of India in the cultural evenings allow you have a spectacular show. World class musicians like Sonu Nigam, late Jagjit Singh, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Sundhi Chauhan, Shreya Ghosal and many others have graced the festival with their performances in the previous year. The upcoming and the unexplored talents also mark the occasion with their brilliant performances. The foreign tourist who are on Agra tour during this time enjoys the occasion so much that they just join in with the folk dancers enjoying and swinging to a different tune and dance style.

Apart from the exciting performances of the talented artiste, the display of the beautiful crafts by the skilled craftsmen is very mesmerizing. It’s a great opportunity for the artist to display their creativity in various forms. To mention some, the incredible crafts include wood carvings from Saharanpur, stone carvings from Tamil Nadu, brass and other metal ware from Moradabad, bamboo or cane work of North-East, handmade carpets of Bhadohi, the pottery of Khurja, chikan-work of Lucknow, the silk of Banaras, kantha stitch saris from West Bengal and lots more. The marble inlay works of the skilled artisans of Agra are always an important part of this carnival.

Taj Mahotsav is an ultimate place for the shopaholics. Be a part of this festival and take home some ultimate and unique pieces of art. Enhance you beauty and the corners of your home with the priceless possession. How can this cultural extravaganza complete without the delicious Indian cuisines! It puts a huge display of mouth watering cuisines from the different regions of India. Everybody is sure to enjoy the platter full of delicious dishes and have a fabulous time during the Taj Mahotsav.